Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

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If you’re craving a hearty, no-fuss dinner that warms you up from the inside out, Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is your ticket to comfort. This dish is a nostalgic favorite, pulling together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy layers in one bubbling, golden casserole. It’s the type of meal that makes your house smell amazing and gets everyone racing to the dinner table.

Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends, this casserole is an all-in-one meal that delivers on both flavor and texture. The crispy top, the cheesy middle, and the savory meat-and-vegetable base come together effortlessly in the oven. Plus, it’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and easily customizable depending on what you have on hand.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this casserole, ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio works wonderfully. The bit of extra fat adds richness and helps keep the meat from drying out during baking. You can also opt for leaner beef if you prefer, just make sure to sauté it beforehand and drain off any excess fat so the casserole doesn’t get greasy.

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Ingredients for the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Ground Beef – This is the main protein in the dish, giving the casserole its hearty, savory foundation.

Potatoes – Thinly sliced potatoes create soft, starchy layers that absorb all the delicious flavors from the meat and sauce.

Onion – Adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor that balances out the richness of the meat.

Carrots and Celery – These add texture, color, and a touch of sweetness, giving the casserole a well-rounded vegetable base.

Cream of Mushroom Soup – Provides creaminess and acts as a binding agent for the layers, holding everything together while baking.

Cheddar Cheese – Melts into gooey goodness and adds a bold, savory finish.

Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Paprika – Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle on top for color and freshness once the casserole is baked.

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How To Make the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked meat aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add a splash of oil if needed and sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. This boosts their flavor and ensures even cooking in the casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Begin layering in your greased dish. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom. Then, add a portion of the cooked ground beef, followed by a layer of sautéed vegetables. Spread some cream of mushroom soup over the top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of potatoes.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture during the first phase of baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake covered for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Slice into hearty squares and enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Hobo Casserole Ground Beef

This casserole is best served fresh from the oven when the cheese is melty and the edges are crisp. Pair it with a simple green salad or a side of steamed veggies to balance out the richness. It’s a perfect one-dish meal that satisfies every time.

For storing, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

You can also freeze this casserole! Assemble it (without baking), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be swapped in. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and seasoned before layering.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery as alternatives. Even a homemade white sauce works well in a pinch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Not necessarily. If you’re using thin-skinned potatoes like Yukon Golds, you can leave the skin on. Just be sure to wash them well.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in corn, green beans, peas, or even zucchini. This dish is wonderfully flexible.

How do I keep the potatoes from being undercooked?

Slice them thinly and evenly, and make sure to bake the casserole covered for the first part of cooking. That traps steam and helps the potatoes soften properly.

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Want More Dinner Casserole Ideas?

If this Hobo Casserole Ground Beef became an instant family hit, you might want to try these other comforting meals:

• Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole for creamy, savory sweetness.
• Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt when you’re craving something rich and cheesy.
• Cream Cheese Chicken for a creamy protein-packed twist.
• BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl if you like your dinner with a sweet and smoky bite.
• Low-Carb Greek Chicken Bowls when you want something a little lighter without sacrificing flavor.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can make it whenever the craving hits.

Tried it with extra veggies or a different soup base? Tell me how it turned out in the comments!

I love hearing how these recipes evolve in different kitchens. Got questions or need help? Don’t hesitate to ask—we’re cooking better together.

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